Which term would you use to indicate playing with a sudden strong accent on a note?

The term that indicates playing with a sudden strong accent on a note is "sforzando." This musical instruction signals the performer to produce a sudden, forceful accent on a single note or chord, typically adding dramatic emphasis and a sharp contrast to surrounding notes. It is often abbreviated as “sfz” in musical notation.

Understanding the effect of sforzando helps musicians convey the intended emotional expression within a piece, enhancing the performance by emphasizing specific musical moments. The use of sforzando can change the dynamics and shape the listener's experience, making it a valuable tool in interpretation.

Other terms listed have different meanings or implications in music. Sostenuto refers to a sustained, legato style without sudden changes in dynamics, while simile indicates to continue playing in a similar manner as previously stated. Sopra is not commonly used in contexts relating to dynamic expression and accentuation in Western music.